Highest-Paying Administrative Assistant Jobs [2026]

Research Summary. The Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for various administrative assistant roles across the United States, utilizing a mix of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings. This analysis identifies the highest-paying positions in the administrative assistant category based on current average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of administrative assistants:

• Associate Administrative Assistant ranks as the highest-paid type with an average salary of $46,939, translating to an hourly rate of $22.57.

• The second highest-paying role is the Administrative Assistant/Technical, boasting an average salary of $42,541.

• The overall average salary for administrative assistants is $34,945 annually, with an average hourly wage of $16.80.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be daunting. While salary should not be the sole consideration, it is undoubtedly a critical factor. For those aspiring to become administrative assistants, understanding the highest-paid roles can significantly aid in career planning and progression.

Below are the top salaries for various types of administrative assistants:

1. Associate Administrative Assistant

   Average Salary: $46,939

   An associate administrative assistant undertakes various administrative and clerical duties to support business operations. They ensure timely submission of deliverables and work closely with the financial department to organize reports, issue invoices, verify payroll timesheets, and manage petty cash distribution. Responsibilities also include scheduling meetings, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining organized documentation. Strong communication and organizational skills, along with proficiency in data processing procedures, are essential for this role.

2. Administrative Assistant/Technical

   Average Salary: $42,541

   An administrative assistant/technical is tasked with clerical and support roles that promote organizational efficiency. Their duties include generating progress reports, managing schedules, greeting visitors, handling correspondence, and maintaining transaction records. Adherence to company policies and effective interdepartmental coordination are also crucial.

3. Accounts Payable/Administrative Assistant

   Average Salary: $41,382

   An accounts payable/administrative assistant collaborates with department heads and focuses on managing the administrative aspects of budgeting. Responsibilities include organizing financial records and handling necessary documentation related to financial transactions.

4. Administrative Assistant And Recruiter

   Average Salary: $40,247

   This role involves recruiting new staff and providing thorough evaluations of applicants. An administrative assistant and recruiter works with supervisors and the human resources department to fill positions effectively. This position often entails managing applicant data and requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.

5. Finance/Administrative Assistant

   Average Salary: $39,756

   A finance administrative assistant supports financial operations by performing clerical duties and basic bookkeeping tasks. They generate reports, update account information, assist with payroll, and address financial discrepancies while coordinating with clients regarding payments and billing.

Below is a comprehensive table displaying the average pay for various administrative assistant roles.

Highest-Paying Types Of Administrative Assistants

Methodology

Zippia utilizes publicly available data from reliable sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to formulate salary estimates.

Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources to obtain the latest salary data for administrative assistants.

After data collection, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title to ensure accuracy. For further insights into our salary estimates, refer to our detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Administrative Assistant Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid administrative assistant job?

   The highest-paid administrative assistant job is that of an associate administrative assistant. Associate Administrative Assistants earn an average salary of $46,939, equivalent to $22.57 per hour.

   In this role, an associate administrative assistant performs various administrative and clerical tasks to support business operations. They closely collaborate with the financial department to manage financial reports, issue invoices, verify payroll timesheets, and handle petty cash. Their responsibilities also extend to scheduling meetings, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining organized documentation. Strong communication and organizational skills are paramount for success in this position.

2. What is a good salary for an administrative assistant?

   A good salary for an administrative assistant is $34,945 or higher. Since the average salary for this role is $34,945, those earning this amount or more are considered above-average earners.

   However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary widely based on geographic location, as employers typically adjust pay according to local living costs. Researching the average salary for your experience level in your area will provide a clearer picture of your compensation.

   For entry-level administrative assistants, the average starting salary is approximately $25,461, so keep this in mind as you evaluate your earnings against the overall average.

3. Do administrative assistant jobs pay well?

   Generally, administrative assistant jobs do not pay exceptionally well. While some positions offer higher salaries than others, the overall average salary of $34,945 is below the average national income of around $44,225 annually.

   However, many administrative assistant positions have the potential for high earnings, with the top 10% making an average of $56,925 per year.

   Keep in mind that salaries for administrative assistants can vary due to factors like experience, industry, and location. When searching for a job, understand the current pay range in your area and leverage this information during salary negotiations.

4. Where do administrative assistants get paid the most?

   Administrative assistants earn the highest salaries in Alaska. In Alaska, the average annual salary for administrative assistants is $42,135, with an average hourly wage of $20.26.

   Following Alaska, other states with high salaries for administrative assistants include Massachusetts, Washington, and Connecticut, offering average annual salaries of $41,809, $39,890, and $40,618 respectively.

   The cities that provide the best compensation for administrative assistants are:

   1. San Francisco, CA – $45,740

   2. Washington, DC – $42,712

   3. Boston, MA – $41,751

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.